NEW ORLEANS (AP) — R’Bonney Gabriel, a clothier, mannequin and stitching teacher from Texas who competitors officers mentioned is the primary Filipino American to win Miss USA, was topped Miss Universe on Saturday night time.
Gabriel closed her eyes and clasped palms with runner-up Miss Venezuela, Amanda Dudamel, for the time being of the dramatic reveal of the winner, then beamed after her title was introduced.
Thumping music rang out, and she or he was handed a bouquet of flowers, draped within the winner's sash and topped with a tiara onstage on the 71st Miss Universe Competitors, held in New Orleans.
The second runner-up was Miss Dominican Republic, Andreina Martinez.
Within the Q&A on the final stage of the competitors for the three finalists, Gabriel was requested how she would work to show Miss Universe is “an empowering and progressive group” if she have been to win.
“I might use it to be a transformational chief,” she responded, citing her work utilizing recycled supplies in her trend design and instructing stitching to survivors of human trafficking and home violence.
“It's so necessary to spend money on others, spend money on our group and use your distinctive expertise to make a distinction,” Gabriel continued. “All of us have one thing particular, and after we plant these seeds to different folks in our life, we rework them and we use that as a automobile for change.”
In keeping with Miss Universe, Gabriel is a former highschool volleyball participant and graduate of the College of North Texas. A brief bio posted on the group's web site mentioned she can also be CEO of her personal sustainable clothes line.
Practically 90 contestants from world wide took half within the competitors, organizers mentioned, involving “private statements, in depth interviews and numerous classes together with night robe & swimwear.”
Miss Curacao, Gabriela Dos Santos, and Miss Puerto Rico, Ashley Carino, rounded out the highest 5 finalists.
Final yr’s winner was Harnaaz Sandhu of India.